São Paulo

Brazil's largest city is a dynamic, cosmopolitan hub where a diverse culinary landscape meets a vibrant art scene. It offers an endless list of places to explore, boutiques to shop, and foods to savor. There really is something for everyone. So we compiled this list of our favorite spots to help get you started!

Where to eat

  • Barbacoa

    BRAZILIAN BBQ
    R. Dr. Renato Paes de Barros, 65

    This is our favorite spot if you want to try the traditional all you can eat Brazilian churrasco. There is a huge salad bar, but make sure you leave room for some picanha.

  • Nakka

    JAPANESE
    R. Padre João Manuel, 811

    Sushi in Brazil is very unique and definitely worth a try. The country has the largest population of Japanese immigrants, and so the sushi here is exceptional with a little Brazilian flair.

  • Taberna 474

    SEAFOOD
    R. Maria Carolina, 47

    A cozy, rustic gem where Portuguese flavors meet fresh seafood—perfect for a relaxed lunch and a few glasses of wine. Definitely order the crudo platter!

  • Z Deli Restaurante

    DELI
    Al. Lorena, 1689

    Think "New York deli meets São Paulo soul," serving up what many locals swear is the absolute best burger in the entire city. The main restaurant serves several other dishes, while there are other Z Deli outposts throughout the city if you want their burger or pastrami sandwich.

  • TUJU

    FINE DINING
    Rua Frei Galvão, 135

    For the ultimate "foodie" guest, this Michelin-starred spot offers a stunning seasonal tasting menu that celebrates the best of Brazilian ingredients.

  • Dalva e Dito

    BRAZILIAN
    R. Padre João Manuel, 1115

    Chef Alex Atala’s "casual" spot that reimagines traditional Brazilian home cooking with a sophisticated, upscale twist. They have an endless variation of caipirinhas for you to try.

  • Bar da Dona Onça

    BRAZILIAN
    Av. Ipiranga, 200

    Located in the iconic Copan building, this lively spot serves up soulful "comfort food" and killer caipirinhas in the heart of downtown. If you plan on visiting the Pinacoteca Museum, we recommend you stop here for lunch before or after.

  • NIT Bar de Tapas

    SPANISH TAPAS
    R. Oscar Freire, 153

    A vibrant, high-energy bar perfect for sharing Spanish-inspired small bites and enjoying a glass of wine. They also surprisingly have a great dry martini!

  • Modern Momma Osteria

    ITALIAN
    R. Oscar Freire, 497

    A trendy and beautifully designed spot that focuses on contemporary Italian comfort food, perfect if you appreciate creative pasta in a stylish, upscale setting.

What to do

  • MASP (Museum of Art of São Paulo)

    MUSEUM
    Av. Paulista, 1578

    You can't miss this iconic "floating" glass box on Paulista Avenue; head inside to see masterpieces suspended on crystal easels that make the art look like it's hovering in mid-air.

  • Parque Ibirapuera

    PARK
    Av. Pedro Álvares Cabral, s/n

    Think of this as SP’s Central Park—it’s the perfect place for you to shake off the jet lag with a morning stroll, some people-watching, or a visit to the stunning Oscar Niemeyer-designed pavilions. There are several museums located inside, including the Afro-Brazilian Museum. A few great restaurants nearby are Selvagem, Vista Café, and Bottega Bernacca.

  • Pinacoteca

    MUSEUM
    Praça da Luz, 2

    Located in a gorgeous restored brick building, this is the city's oldest art museum and offers you a peaceful escape with a world-class collection of Brazilian art and a lovely cafe overlooking the park. Take an uber to Bar da Dona Onça for lunch after.

  • MUBE (Brazilian Museum of Sculpture and Ecology)

    MUSEUM
    R. Alemanha, 221

    If you love architecture, you’ll adore this "semi-underground" museum where the concrete structures are just as much of a masterpiece as the sculptures they house.

  • Beco do Batman

    GRAFFITI ALLEY
    R. Medeiros de Albuquerque, 82-154

    Grab your camera and wander through these famous winding alleys in Vila Madalena, where every inch of wall space is covered in the city’s most vibrant and ever-changing street art. Airbnb Experiences has several guided tour options if you wanted to learn more about the history of graffiti in SP.

  • Posto 011

    BEACH TENNIS
    Av. Rebouças, 1605

    Who says São Paulo doesn't have a beach? Throw on some shorts and head here to try your hand at Beach Tennis, the city’s favorite way to pretend the ocean is just around the corner.

  • Cidade Matarazzo

    ART & SHOPPING COMPLEX
    R. Itapeva, 435

    This architectural marvel is home to the stunning Rosewood São Paulo and offers a unique mix of high-end dining, high-concept art, and serene green spaces right in the heart of the city. It's worth having lunch at Le Jardin or Taraz or having a late night drink at Rabo di Galo.

And don't forget

STAY ALERT

Keep an eye on your surroundings as you're walking around. Be smart when you're pulling your phone out to use for navigation or to call a car. We recommend popping into a café or shop to use your phone.

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STORE YOUR VALUABLES

Keep your jewelry and other valuables stowed at your hotel or Airbnb. Do not have them with you while walking around. Save them to wear at specific events where you know you will not go anywhere else before or after.

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USE UBER BLACK

Ubers are an inexpensive option to navigate around the city. While each neighborhood is walkable, please call an Uber if you are moving across different areas of the city. If you have questions please reach out!

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